Eagles QB Vick to get first start since 2006

NFL notes

Concussion sidelines Kolb

Harvin expects to play

September 18, 2010|By From Tribune news services

Michael Vick will start at quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday against the Detroit Lions, the first time he has been under center at the start of a game since his time with the Atlanta Falcons.

Eagles coach Andy Reid made it official Friday when he ruled quarterback Kevin Kolb out for Sunday's game with the concussion he suffered in the season-opening loss to the Green Bay Packers. Middle linebacker Stewart Bradley was also ruled out with a concussion.

Reid said both players passed the written part of the concussion test, but they had to see Dr. William Welch to pass the next phase. That appointment was set for Friday.

"We'll see how that goes before we go any further," Reid said.

Meanwhile, the Eagles head to Detroit looking to even their record at 1-1. And starting at quarterback will be Vick, who last started the final game of the 2006 season for the Falcons against the Eagles.

"It would be gratifying," Vick said of leading the Eagles to a win. "This team took a chance on me when not many others would."

Vick missed the entire 2007 and 2008 seasons after his involvement in a dogfighting ring came to light. The Eagles signed him last preseason and, after serving a four-game suspension, he played in 12 regular-season games for the team, primarily as an option in the Wildcat formation.

For the season, Vick completed six of 13 passes for 86 yards with one touchdown. He also ran the ball 24 times for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

Any rust that might have been lingering came off in chunks last week against the Packers, though, when Vick came into the game in the second half with the Eagles trailing 20-3. His elusiveness in the open field and strong arm helped Philadelphia get within 27-20 before his last drive stalled on fourth-and-1 from the Green Bay 42-yard line.

Vick still finished 16 of 24 for 175 yards and a touchdown while running for 103 yards.

Vick took all the reps with the first team in practice this week and should be as ready to start as he has been since he left the Falcons.

"This is a big game," Vick said. "It's not about me making my first start or none of that. I've put all of that aside. It's about us going on the road and trying to get a win. We need to go out there and get a win; that's what matters. Nobody wants to be 0-2."

Vikings' Harvin returns to practice:Minnesota receiver Percy Harvin returned to practice Friday and laughed at the suggestion his bruised hip might keep him out of Sunday's home game against the Dolphins.

Coach Brad Childress said the team would make "a game-time decision" on Harvin, who was listed as questionable on the injury report.

League says Jets had "unprofessional conduct":The NFL says that while there was "unprofessional conduct," Jets owner Woody Johnson and his staff acted promptly to correct the situation that arose last weekend when a TV Azteca reporter said she felt uncomfortable in the team's locker room.

Commissioner Roger Goodell said Friday that as a result of the incident, the league will implement a training program for all 32 teams on proper conduct in the workplace and that the program would be underwritten by Johnson.

The NFL came to its conclusion after interviewing 17 people who were present when the incident occurred involving reporter Ines Sainz, who works for the Mexican network. Sainz was among those interviewed.

In a letter to Johnson, Goodell said that while "there seems little doubt that passes were thrown in Sainz's direction at last Saturday's practice, it is also clear that she was never bumped, touched, brushed against, or otherwise subjected to any physical contact by any player or coach.

"Sainz herself was unequivocal in saying both that no physical contact occurred, and that no player or other Jets staff member made any comment or gesture that could be construed as threatening, demeaning or offensive," he said.